Following Their Father's Footsteps

Tools

By
WSIL Sports

Story Created:
Jan 31, 2013 at 5:52 AM CDT

Story Updated:
Nov 23, 2013 at 6:39 PM CDT

WOODLAWN -- The view from the sideline couldn't get any better for Woodlawn assistant Scott Owens. The third-year coach gets to watch his two sons compete for the Cardinals, the top-ranked team in the state.

"To me, as a father, it may be the ultimate dream to have both the boys on the same team at the same time and me being a part of it," Scott said.

Senior Gabe Owens and his freshman brother Ross are playing on the same team for the first time in their life. A three-year starter, Gabe is Woodlawn's leading scorer, averaging 15 points a game. Ross comes off the bench, giving his big brother a break when needed.

"Having Gabe on the floor with me, we play together really good actually, better than I expected," Ross said.

The brothers are following familiar footsteps as Cardinals. Their dad is a Hall of Famer at Woodlawn. Scott was a standout basketball player in the 80's. He actually played alongside his boss, head coach Shane Witzel, who is also in the school's Hall of Fame. Scott's picture hangs in the hallway just outside the gym where his name is scattered throughout the record book.

"The fact that he's in the Hall of Fame, I see his picture every day at school," Gabe said. "It's just a big accomplishment for him."

"You know it doesn't need to be about dad," Scott said in response. "That was 25 years ago and I had my time and it was great."

Last year Gabe gave his dad something he was never able to experience in high school, the thrill of winning a state title.

"It was probably the best moment of my life so far," said Gabe. "Just getting there and being in Peoria and actually winning that time and being there with my dad and celebrating after the game."

"You know it's a dream come true," Scott added. "We never would have fathomed or would have ever imagined that something like could happen."

Next season, Gabe will once again follow his dad's footsteps when he suits up for Washington University in St. Louis.

"I look forward going to Wash U. and having the same success he had there."

For now, the family is enjoying their time on the court together. Both on the court and on the bench.